Lithuania Acts to Check Nazi Propagandists

The Lithuanian minister of interior yesterday issued instructions to local authorities to take firm measures against the distribution by Nazi agents of anti-Jewish leaflets in numerous villages.

In his order the minister declares that special efforts must be made by the local police to halt the distribution of leaflets picturing the Jews as killing Christian children for ritual purposes. Anybody found distributing such leaflets must be arrested, the order states.

At the same time the minister of interior today ordered local authorities throughout the country to guard against anti-Jewish disturbances that may grow out of the increasing anti-Semitic propaganda among the peasants which is a result of Nazi-subsidizied propaganda activities in Lithuania.

The instructions by the minister of interior follow a memorandum submitted to the government several days ago by Chief Rabbi Spiro stating that the Jewish population in certain districts of the country fear for their lives because of the violent anti – Jewish propaganda which is being spread in connection with Passover, and which is reaching a dangerous point.

The memorandum was submitted after the Jewish population in these districts appealed to Jewish leaders in Kaunas for help against the anti-Jewish allegations spread among the peasants in the neighborhood.